Spirit of Shackleton

G Adventures · 21 days
Spirit of Shackleton
Spirit of Shackleton
Spirit of Shackleton
21 Days
From AUD $28199 Was AUD $37599
Trip Type
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Spirit of Shackleton

Spirit of Shackleton

G Adventures · 21 days
Duration

21 days

Tour Type

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.

Highlights

  • Meet hardy locals and spot unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands
  • Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
  • Walk quietly amongst king penguins and watch them surf onto the beach
  • Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
  • Spot whales and seals while cruising past icebergs aboard Zodiacs
  • Set foot on the continent of Antarctica

Trip Details

Duration

21 days

Transportation

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Tour Type

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina

Finishes

Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

River Cruising

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
2

Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.
3

Day 3-4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000km (600mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff.

Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
4

Day 5-9: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.
Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
5

Day 10-11: Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea

Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia.
These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
6

Day 12-15: Scotia Sea/South Georgia

Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island.
Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.
7

Day 16-17: South Georgia/Southern Ocean

Sailing west, set course for the Falkland Islands. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
8

Day 18-19: Southern Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.
Enjoy the last opportunity to see penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.
9

Day 20: Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia.
Begin the journey to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff.
10

Day 21: Ushuaia

Disembark in the morning.
Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $37599

AUD $28,199
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 21 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Light

Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Jan 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Alyson K.
Traveled, January 2024

03/09/2024

Everything about our cruise was amazing - from the care taken by the crew and staff to ensure a quality experience, to the knowledge and expertise of the expedition team. Everyone went out of their way to ensure the passengers had a wonderful experience.

5.0
Sandra N.
Traveled, January 2024

03/02/2024

The Spirit of Shackleton adventure was the most amazing trip of my life. The team ran a nearly perfect cruise.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990